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This Instant Pot Mexican carnitas recipe is going to be your new favorite easy meal to serve your family.
Use the leftovers as a taco bowl, sandwich filling, or anything you can think of making this meal the best meal planning option for busy families.
What part of the pig is carnitas?
This Instant Pot Mexican carnitas recipe is similar to America’s pulled pork recipe.
Pork shoulder is generally the part of the pig that is used for carnitas.
This part of the pig is also referred to as pig butt.
Due to the higher fat contact, a pork shoulder helps retain moisture and keep your meat tender while it’s cooking to perfection for carnitas.
Are carnitas and pulled pork the same?
While Mexican carnitas is similar to pulled pork, there is one major difference.
You’ll find that once your Instant Pot is done cooking your carnitas that you’ll place the dish in a 400 degree preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges are crisp.
This final step of making Mexican carnitas isn’t part of the process of making pulled pork.
Are Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas spicy?
Due to the cumin in this Instant Pot Mexican carnitas recipe, there will be a slight kick to the recipe.
Cumin is one of the favorite spices used in chili and Mexican dishes to help give the recipe a bit of a kick without filling your mouth with spice.
These carnitas have a slight spice, rather than an overpowering spicey kick so that those who don’t desire spicy foods can enjoy this meal.
What can I make with pork carnitas?
There is a variety of things you can make with pork carnitas.
For starters, you can use the filling for tacos or burritos topped with your favorite veggies and salsa.
You can use these Instant Pot Mexican carnitas as part of a plate of nachos for an appetizer, in a roll like you’d serve pulled pork, or in a chipotle salad to get some greens in with this delicious meal.
When it comes to making this Instant Pot Mexican carnitas recipe you’ll need a few spices and other ingredients.
You’ll get your Instant Pot ready to cook and within 30 minutes your pork roast will be cooked to perfection.
The Instant Pot allows the seasonings and spices to penetrate the meat, providing your family with a flavor blast in every bite.
How Do I Make Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas?
If you’re ready to make Instant Pot Mexican carnitas, then continue reading for the list of ingredients and instructions to make this easy meal tonight.
You can find the full craft with materials and instructions in the printable card below.
Ingredients For Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas
- Pork roast, boneless
- Oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Garlic clove
- Beer (can use stock)
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Orange
- Lime
Directions For Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas
- Cut the pork roast into big chunks, remove the excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Select the sauté option in your Instant Pot. heat oil and add the seasoned pork. cook until just browned on the outside.
- Add the beer, cumin, oregano, garlic clove, onion powder, paprika, orange and lime juice. Close the lid and seal the vent. Set on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Naturally release steam and open the lid. With the help of 2 forks, shred the pork, it will come off very easily.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Transfer the shredded carnitas to a baking pan. Add around 1 cup of the cooking sauce and take to the oven.
- Roast for 15 minutes or until just a bit crispy on the edges.
Instant Pot Mexican Carnitas
This Instant Mexican carnitas recipe is going to be your new favorite easy meal to serve your family. Use the leftovers as a taco bowl, sandwich filling, or anything you can think of making this meal the best meal planning option for busy families
Ingredients
- 3 Pound pork roast, boneless
- 1 Tbsp oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Garlic clove
- 1 1/2 Cups beer, can use stock
- 1 Tsp cumin
- 1 Tsp oregano
- 1/2 Tsp onion powder
- 1/2 Tbsp paprika
- Juice from 1 orange
- Juice from 1 lime
Instructions
- Cut the pork roast into big chunks, remove the excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
- Select the sauté option in your Instant Pot. heat oil and add the seasoned pork. cook until just browned on the outside.
- Add the beer, cumin, oregano, garlic clove, onion powder, paprika, orange and lime juice. Close the lid and seal the vent. Set on high pressure for 30 minutes.
- Naturally release steam and open the lid. With the help of 2 forks, shred the pork, it will come off very easily.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Transfer the shredded carnitas to a baking pan. Add around 1 cup of the cooking sauce and take to the oven.
- Roast for 15 minutes or until just a bit crispy on the edges.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 1143Total Fat: 77gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 43gCholesterol: 308mgSodium: 433mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 11gProtein: 82g
Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.
WHAT’S NEXT?
If you get a chance to try it, let us know! Leave us a comment below, or share it with a picture on Instagram or Facebook! Don’t forget to tag us @kelly_reci_ and use the hashtag #Kellysthoughtsonthings so we can see what amazing meals you are cooking up!
